Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Red, Black & Blue Burgers

It's summer and it's grilling time. The 4th of July most certainly should be celebrated with a barbecue and of course burgers, center-stage. They are delicious and there are so many variations. So read on and check out my new version. It was a big hit at my house and it is sure to be at your home, too. We love the 4th of July because it is such a festive holiday and we love fireworks. My Stud Muffin has earned the nickname Pyro Pop for his love of lighting fireworks. I believe he has passed that gene on to our two sons as well. Let's celebrate of the Declaration of Independence.

Evenly divide meat into 7 equal size balls. Then patty into a nice think burger. Place burgers on an oil coated platter covered with plastic wrap in the freezer for about 35-45 minutes. This will chill the burgers real well to make it easier to slice in half.When chilled thoroughly remove from freezer. Place on cutting board and using a serrated bread knife gently and slowly saw burger in half, being careful not to break up burger. Then on one half of burger place a heaping 1 Tbsp. of crumbled blue cheese. Place other half on top and press edges together to seal and then patty together well with your hand. You may cover and refrigerate to cook later or immediately cook them on the grill. I like to prepare mine a few hours in advance.

Just before you grill burgers gently shake the blackened seasoning on both sides of the burgers, lightly covering. We cook ours on a gas grill on high for 14 minutes, 7 minutes on each side, only turning once. I also like to coat the hamburger buns on the inside with olive oil and grill oiled side down for the last 1-2 minutes the burgers are cooking.This will make 7 big burgers and if you are a wimpy crybaby about spice don't put it on yours. It really is not hot, just a nice flavor. No crybabies allowed. Serve this up on the buns with a slice of red onion and tomato. Enjoy!!!